A terrarium is a fascinating living work of art that can be used as both a do-it-yourself project and a natural piece of home decor. A succulent terrarium is basically a container—usually glass and often sealable—that holds soil, plants, and maybe some decorative items. It creates a small ecosystem right in your own home.
Its actually quite easy to create your own terrarium for cute, little succulents to live. You can do this easy project by following these steps: choose the right plants; take care of them once they’re in their new home;
Terrariums are a fun way to display petite succulents, but not every succulent thrives in the unique environment. When choosing plants, opt for small varieties that can tolerate the humidity and indirect light. Here are the top 7 succulents that make excellent terrarium specimens along with tips for their care.
1. Echeveria
With hundreds of varieties, there is an Echeveria for every style terrarium. Their tight rosettes come in a rainbow of colors like blue, pink orange and purple. Some popular types are Echeveria ‘Perle von Nürnberg’ and Echeveria ‘Lola’.
Care Tips:
- Provide bright, indirect light
- Use fast-draining cactus/succulent soil
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Limit direct sun to avoid leaf burn
2. Haworthia
Known for their unique leaf shapes Haworthias stay compact and add nice texture contrast. Haworthia attenuata Haworthia limifolia, and Haworthia fasciata are commonly used.
Care Tips:
- Give several hours of direct morning sunlight
- Use a shallow container to prevent overwatering
- Mist leaves occasionally for added humidity
- Water when soil is completely dry
3. Sedum
Also called stonecrops, Sedums make great terrarium choices thanks to their carpeting growth habit. Some popular varieties are Sedum pachyphyllum, Sedum clavatum and Sedum morganianum.
Care Tips:
- Provide at least 3 hours of direct sunlight
- Use coarse soil or amendment to improve drainage
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Limit high humidity
4. Sempervivum
Known as hen and chicks, Sempervivums spread nicely to form mats of tiny rosettes. Sempervivum arachnoideum is a common choice featuring cobweb-like hairs on its leaves.
Care Tips:
- Give very bright, indirect light
- Use shallow pots to prevent rot
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Limit humidity and provide good airflow
5. Crassula
There are many compact Crassula species perfect for terrariums like Crassula ovata, Crassula perforata, and Crassula rupestris. They come in a variety of shapes like tubes, stacks, and rosettes.
Care Tips:
- Provide at least 3 hours of direct sun
- Use very well-draining soil
- Allow soil to dry completely before watering
- Give excellent drainage and airflow
6. Cotyledon
With swollen, bell-shaped leaves, Cotyledons like Cotyledon orbiculata and Cotyledon tomentosa add unique forms to terrarium designs. They stay diminutive when container grown.
Care Tips:
- Give bright, indirect light
- Use a sandy, gritty soil
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Provide good airflow to avoid rot
7. Anacampseros
These cute succulents stay petite and have compact rosettes of fleshy leaves perfect for small spaces. Try Anacampseros telephiastrum variegata or Anacampseros rufescens.
Care Tips:
- Give very bright, indirect light
- Use a fast-draining soil mix
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Limit humidity and improve airflow
When choosing succulents for terrariums, opt for small, slow-growing varieties and provide the brightest light possible. Let the soil dry between waterings and give excellent drainage and airflow to keep your succulent terrarium thriving for years to come!
Choose a Theme
Many terrarium crafters opt to build around a theme, perhaps a fairy garden or a tiny desert scene. You can add miniature figures and other themed items to your terrarium to make your vision come to life if you choose this route.
Select a Vessel
You can find a lot of different styles of terrarium containers online, or you can have fun and save money by looking through thrift stores or estate sales. A clear glass jar, bowl, or vase with a hole in the top or side is all you need. There should be enough space inside for dirt and plants to grow. Picture a glass fish bowl or decorative bowl. You can make a fairly small set-up or go big with a larger container.
The SIX Most Reliable Terrarium Plants
FAQ
Do succulents do well in a terrarium?
What is the best plant for a closed terrarium?
What plants are good for glass terrariums?
How long do succulent terrariums last?
What are the best succulents for a terrarium?
So, to help you find the best succulents for your terrarium project, here are a few examples. The gorgeous rosettes of the Echeveria and Sempervivum (both commonly referred to as Hens and Chicks) are a great starting point. They contrast nicely with the spiky leaves of the Haworthia (Zebra Plants) and Agave plants.
Do succulents need a terrarium?
Succulents are easy plants to care for but they need a balance of all the elements in order to thrive. A closed terrarium will not give the succulents the adequate amount of fresh air required.
Can you use a glass container for a succulent terrarium?
Hurrah! We used this dish-shaped glass container for our succulent terrarium. There are some succulents – ish you can use in a tropical closed terrarium, but more on that later. So what are we waiting for? Let’s dive into the top plant picks to make your succulent terrarium dreams come true. Echeveria might just be my favorite genus of succulents.
How do you grow succulents in a terrarium?
Succulents are full of water, and naturally grow in dry climates. Plant them in a vase or terrarium with an opening at the top for moisture to escape after watering. Pictured above in this open terrarium is a Kokedama, or moss and string wrapped, succulent.
